CORAF/WECARD support Njala students
The School of Natural Resources Management, Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management at Njala University is making frantic efforts in empowering students so as to enable them provide effective service delivery in society after their graduation. The Department has under the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF/WECARD) provided a full package of computer, including laptop, internet modem with two months subscription, antivirus etc.; that will enable them to do their research work thoroughly. (Photo: University Officials and students displaying their computers )
The provision of equipment is in line with the vision of CORAF/WECARD, which is “to contribute to sustainable reduction of poverty and food insecurity in West and Central Africa. This will be achieved through agricultural led economic growth, and improving agricultural research system of the sub-region,” and with the aim “to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of small-scale producers and promote the agribusiness sector.”
The presentation of the computers was held at the Njala University Mokonday Campus on Tuesday 15th September 2015.
Addressing the Post-Graduate Students, the Head of Department Dr. Julius Olufemi Olapade said the project has main components, including the technology component that is taken to farmers, market access and capacity building. He pointed out that the capacity building component is normally extended to main actors and beneficiaries of the project. The equipment, Dr. Olapade said should be seen as ‘hands on’ by making good use of the opportunities it provide and not ‘hands off’. “I hope you will bring out good results out of the project,” he told the Masters Students.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor A.K. Lakoh said the students are benefiting due to their hard work and commitment demonstrated in the project. “This is an opportunity that you should make good use of. You are now open to the world and you should now go to the field to conduct your research work well,” he said, and added that the project is of human development and promotion of food security in the country. Prof. Lakoh admonished the beneficiaries to take good care of the computers so that, as he put it “the seed planted in you will grow well and flourish to bear good fruits.” He concluded by thanking the donors for the support, hoping that the project will be sustained in the country.
Acting Dan of the School of Natural Resources Management, Philip M.P. Mornya said the computers came at the right time when students needed it most to do their academic work. “Now that you have good computers, please focus on your academic work so that you contribute well in nation building,” he said. He commended the donors for their support over the years.
Beneficiaries interviewed by this press thanked CORAF/WECARD for the support over the years. Foday T. Musa and Fatmata Rainatu Kamara said the project has helped transformed their lives. Musa hopes to give back the nation the knowledge he has acquired over the years on fish nurturing. “My dream is to stay in the University as a Lecturer and help sustain the fish farm project. Rainatu Kamara has almost completed her thesis on supplement feed for fish. She hopes to use her research work to ensure that fish farming becomes a lucrative business for women in particular.
The event was chaired by Dr. M.D. Kpundeh, Lecturer Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management and Aquaculture Specialist for the project.
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